Page turning device



Sept. 26, 1967 J. M. WIESZECK 3,343,776

PAGE TURNING DEVICE Filed Sept. 27, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. JAMES M. WIESZECK' P 1957 J. M. WIESZECK PAGE TURNING DEVICE Filed Sept. 27, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR:

JAMES M. WIESZECK TT'V V United States Patent O 3,343,776 PAGE TURNING DEVICE James M. Wieszeck, R0. Box 175, Salem, NH. 03079 Filed Sept. 27, 1965, Ser. No. 490,391 Claims. (Cl. 248441) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a page turning device and finds utility in connection with the turning of pages of music.

In the specified utilitarian environment, it will be appreciated that a musician often has difliculty in turning pages of music without losing time. The invention solves this problem and besides has utility in other environments where page turning is required or desired-other than by hand. The non-manual turning of pages of a book, brochure, etc., thus constitutes an important object of this invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The inventive device permits the pages of a book to be readily turned by the reader without the use of his hands. A magnet-carrying L-shaped arm is caused to rotate through an arc of approximately 180 by an elongated member which is disposed at an angle of about 15 with respect to the axis of the book binding and which includes a crank operatively connected to a foot pedal. The crank-equipped member is journaled beneath the book platform so that it is not readily observable and so that it does not interfere with the book readers movements or the page turning operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel music stand arrangement whereby the pages of music can be turned through manipulation of a foot pedal.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a page turning device utilizing an elongated element arranged at a small acute angle to the binding of the book or pamphlet containing the page whereby rotation of the elongated member initially turns the page and thereafter automatically detaches itself from the page turned. Still another object of this invention is to provide a page turning device that is suited to and may remain a part of a collapsible music stand. Other objects and advantages, both general and specific, may be seen in the details of construction and operation set down in this specification.

The invention is explained in conjunction with an illustrative embodiment in the accompanying drawing, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a music stand equipped with the page turning device of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a clip provided as part of the showing in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a plan elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the sight line 4-4 applied to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but with the parts thereof in a different operative position;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the page turning device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a clip associated with the showing in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 is a showing similar to that in FIG. 6 but with the addition of a magnet constituting the page-attracting means utilized in the illustrative embodiment of the invention.

The numeral 10 designates generally a music stand on which a book 11 is placed in open condition. For supporting the book, the stand 10 is equipped with an upwardly inclined platform 12 having at its lower edge an outstanding lip 13 to confine and stabilize the book 11. Although the invention is explained in conjunction with a music stand, it will be appreciated that other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The book 11 has the usual central binding 15 and is restrained against movement on the platform 12 by means of an elongated clip 16 (see FIG. 2 for additional details).

The page turning apparatus includes an elongated mem ber generally designated 17 along with a pedal linkage system generally designated 18 for rotating the member 17 Operation in general Before going into the details of the invention, reference is made to FIGS. 3 and 5 which show the two principal operating conditions of the apparatusfor acquainting those skilled in the art generally with a basic operation of the invention. The showing in FIG. 3 is essentially that seen in FIG. 1 and it will be noted that the elongated member 17 is equipped with an integral L-shaped extension 19 carrying a magnet 20. Each page is equipped with a clip 21 (see FIG. 2A). The upper half of clip 21 is iron (magnetic), while the lower half is aluminum (nonmagnetic) and shielding the underlying clip from the effects of the magnet when the magnet touches the iron upper half and becomes adhered thereto. The magnet 20 contacts the uppermost magnet 21 to attract the page toward the L-shaped portion 19. Upon depressing the pedal 22 (see FIG. 1) associated as part of the linkage 18, the elongated member 17 is pivoted through an approximate arc to position the L-shaped portion as designated at line 1% in FIG. 5. This turns the associated page through the same approximate 180 are but because of the angular relationship between the clip 16.and the elongated member 17, the arc of the magnet 20 is different from that of the clip 21 (the ultimate positions of these two elements being designated respectively by the numerals 20 and 21' in FIG. 5). Thereafter, the elongated member 17 is repivoted to the FIG. 3 condition and the apparatus is once again in condition for turning another page.

From the foregoing brief description, it will be seen that the invention provides an advantageous detachment of the page turning device from the page as an incident of the final portion of the turn-the upward movement of the magnet 20 being designated by an arrow 23 in FIG. 5 which indicates the departure of the magnet 20 from the arc followed by the clip 21. I find it advantageous to make this departure of the order of about l5this initially residing in the angular relation between the elongated member 17 and the clip 16 securing the binding 15 of the book 11 in place on the platform 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CONSTRUCTION Now turning to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the previously mentioned clip 16 is essentially loop-shaped and overlies the interior of binding 15A of the book 11. The underside of the clip 16 passes under the platform 12 and for this purpose the lip 13 is apertured as at 13A and 13B.

3 Also, the platform 12 is apertured as at 12A to complete the loop of the clip 16. The elongated member 17 is seen to have an L-shaped extension 19 (previously referred to) at its upper end. The extension 19 is seen in enlarged scale in FIGS. 6 and 8 and is equipped with a clip 24 (see FIG. 7). The clip 24 clamps a magnet holder 25 in which a permanent magnet 26 (see FIG. 8) is mounted. Where the invention is practiced utilizing a magnet 26, the clip 21 is constructed of magnetic material such as iron on top and aluminum underneath.

The elongated member 17 is journaled adjacent its upper end in a bearing-providing element generally designated 27 (see FIG. 2). The element 27 is essentially C-shaped having a terminal portion underlying the platform 12 by virtue of passing through the opening 12A. Centrally of its length, the element 27 is curved on itself to form a circular bearing 27A in which the elongated member 27 is journaled.

Adjacent its lower end, the member 17 is equipped with a crank portion designated 17a. The crank portion is coupled to the lip 13 by means of an elongated spring 28. Most of the length of the elongated member 17 and particularly the crank portion 17A thereof underlie the platform 12. Thus, the elongated spring 28 is secured to the underside of the platform 12in the portion thereof adjacent to lip 13 which is seen to depend below as Well as extend above the platform 12. The extreme lower end of the elongated member 17 is journaled in an opening 13C in the lip 13 and for this purpose a washer 29 may be installed as seen in FIG.'2. As mentioned previously, rotation of the elongated member 17 is provided through the pedal-equipped linkage 18. In FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that a flexible cord 30 is connected at one end to the crank portion 17A and, after passing through an opening 13D (FIG. 2) in the lip 13 is secured at its lower end to the foot pedal 22. The foot pedal 22 may be of any desired construction. In the illustration given, it is a two part hinged member urged into the position seen in FIG. 1 by means of a spring 31.

In the operation of the device, depression of the foot pedal 22 pivots the crank portion 17A under the control of the elongated spring 28 so as to rotate the elongated member 17 through about the 180 arc. Inasmuch as the L-shaped extension 19 is inter-rolled with the elongated member 17 is also follows through the same arc. During this motion, the magnet 20 attracts the clip 21 and causes the page equipped with the clip 21 to follow the movement of the magnet 20. This proceeds through a substantial portion of the are adjacent the terminal portions of the 180 arc of movement, the magnet 20 is translated upwardly as well as to the left (in proceeding from the showing in FIG. 3 to that of FIG. so as to disengage the clip 21 and permit the same to assume the position designated 21'. Return of the device to its FIG. 3 position is achieved through the coaction of the springs 28 and 31.

Where the elongated member 17 is about to the left of the music page axis (as shown) the disengagement of the magnet from the clip 21 occurs after about three-quarters of the possible turning movement of the extension 19, i.e., about 135. This permits the page to fall freely the remainder of the 180 arc. The return may be snap-like and to preclude any sound resulting from the contact of the extension 19 with the platform 12, I provide a bumper as at 32 (see FIG. 2) and constructed of resilient, sound-deadening material, i.e., cord, plastic, etc., which is slidable on arm 19 for purposes of optimum location under windy conditions, etc.

While in the foregoing specification, a detailed description of an embodiment of the invention has been put down for the purpose of illustration, many variations of the details herein given may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A page turning device comprising a stand providing an inclined platform having a book confining lip along its lower edge, an open book supported on said platform, an elongated member journaled under said platform and having its length disposed at a minor acute angle to the binding of said book, said member being equipped with a loop-bearing element releasably clipped to said platform, said platform having an aperture adjacent its upper end with said member passing through said aperture, said member adjacent to the platform lower end having a crank portion, a pedal-equipped linkage coupled to said crank portion for rotating said member, a spring interconnected between said platform on the underside thereof and said crank portion, said member adjacent the upper end of said platform being equipped with an L-shaped arm, said arm being coupled to said member at one arm end and the other arm end being equipped with a magnet slidably positioned thereon and adapted to overlie a portion of a page of said open book, iron and aluminum clip means secured to said page portion whereby rotation of said member moves said magnet through an are different from the arc of said clip means to release said clip when said page is substantially turned.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which said arm is equippped with a weight and shock absorber.

3. The structure of claim 1 in which said minor acute angle is of the order of about 15.

4. A page turning device comprising a stand providing an inclined platform having a book confining lip along its lower edge, an open book supported on said platform, an elongated member under said platform having its length disposed at a minor acute angle to the binding of said book, said member being journaled adjacent the the upper and lower edges of said platform, said platform having an aperture adjacent its upper end with said member passing through said aperture, said member having a crank portion, a pedal-equipped linkage coupled to said crank portion for rotating said member, a spring interconnected between said platform on the under side thereof and said crank portion, said member adjacent the upper end of said platform being equipped with an L- shaped arm, said arm being coupled to said member at one arm end and the other arm end being equipped with a magnet slidably positioned thereon and adapted to overlie a portion of a page of said open book, a clip secured to said page portion whereby rotation of said member moves said magnet through an arc different from the arc of said clip to release said clip when said page is substantially turned.

5. The structure of claim 4 in which said minor acute angle is of the order of about 15.

6. The structure of claim 4 in which said member is equipped with a loop-bearing element releasably clipped to said platform.

7. The structure of claim 4 in which one end of said member is journaled in the lower portion of said book confining lip.

8. A page turning device comprising a stand providing an inclined platform having a book confining lip along its lower edge, an open book supported on said platform, an elongated member journaled under said platform and having its length disposed at a minor acute angle to the binding of said book, said member being equipped with a loop-bearing element releasably clipped to said platform, said platform having an aperture adjacent its upper end with said member passing through said aperture, said member having a crank portion, a pedalequipped linkage coupled to said crank portion for rotating said member, a spring interconnected between said platform on the underside thereof and said crank portion, said member adjacent the upper end of said platform being equipped with an L-shaped arm, said arm being coupled to said member at one arm end and the other arm end being equipped with a magnet slidably positioned thereon and adapted to overlie a portion of a page of said open book, iron and aluminum clip means secured to said page portion whereby rotation of said member moves said magnet through an are different from the arc of said clip means to release said clip when said page is substantially turned.

9. The structure of claim 8 in which said arm is equipped with a weight and shock absorber.

10. The structure of claim 8 in which said minor acute angle is ofthe order of about 15.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 921,496 5/1909 Young 84521 2,025,510 12/1935 Hysmith 84521 FOREIGN PATENTS 161,233 4/ 1921 Great Britain.

CHANCELLOR E. HARRIS, Primary Examiner. 

1. A PAGE TURNING DEVICE COMPRISING A STAND PROVIDING AN INCLINED PLATFORM HAVING A BOOK CONFINING LIP ALONG ITS LOWER EDGE, AN OPEN BOOK SUPPORTED ON SAID PLATFORM, AN ELONGATED MEMBER LOURNALED UNDER SAID PLATFORM AND HAVING ITS LENGTH DISPOSED AT A MINOR ACUTE ANGLE TO THE BINDING OF SAID BOOK, SAID MEMBER BEING EQUIPPED WITH A LOOP-BEARING ELEMENT RELEASABLY CLIPPED TO SAID PLATFORM, SAID PLATFORM HAVING AN APERTURE ADJACENT ITS UPPER END WITH SAID MEMBER PASSING THROUGH SAID APERTURE, SAID MEMBER ADJACENT TO THE PLATFORM LOWER END HAVING A CRANK PORTION, A PEDAL-EQUIPPED LINKAGE COUPLED TO SAID CRANK PORTION FOR ROTATING SAID MEMBER, A SPRING INTERCONNECTED BETWEEN SAID PLATFORM ON THE UNDERSIDE THEREOF AND SAID CRANK PORTION, SAID MEMBER ADJACENT THE UPPER 